COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
Occupational Code: 5415
Salary Range: 22A
Status: Classified
FLSA: Non-exempt
Established: 1/81
Revised: 12/88 5/94 2/03 10/06 (ADA)
NATURE OF WORK:
Skilled work in receiving calls directed to the City of Miami, including requests for fire or police service or
information, and dispatching personnel and equipment for emergency service through the use of telephone,
radio, computer and other communications equipment on an assigned shift.
Work involves responsibility for receiving, requests for fire/medical or police, services or for information and
promptly and efficiently dispatching personnel and equipment in response to emergency calls or providing
requested information. Duties my include the operation of a fire/medical and police Emergency 911 system,
radio and recorders, computer terminals, and the periodic testing of communications equipment. Disposition of
calls is made in accordance with established procedures; however, an employee in this class must exercise good
judgment, make immediate decisions, and know Miami’s local government operations, the fire or police
protection system, and the geographical layout of the City. Supervision and assignments are received from a
superior in charge of the shift, both orally and in writing, and work is reviewed by observation, monitoring of
the employee’s operation, and the review of reports and records.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (The examples of work listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position
in the class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical
assignment for the position. Examples of work performed are not to be used for allocation purposes.)
Dispatches personnel and equipment for emergency service through use of radio and/or computerized or other
types of communication equipment as assigned.
As secondary operator, advises public on police procedures, determines if a dispatch is necessary and gives
referral information on other agencies.
Makes routine work decisions involving adjustments to equipment to handle special problems.
Operates a fire/medical and police Emergency 911 system receiving requests for fire or police protection or
service; obtains correct and necessary information to dispatch personnel and equipment to scenes of fire, police
incidents and other emergencies through the use of radio, telephone and other equipment.
Trains new Communications Operators.
Performs other related work as required.
5415
5415
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR (Cont.)
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: (The knowledge, abilities and skills identified in this class
specification represent those needed to perform the duties of the class. Additional knowledge, abilities and skills may be applicable for individual
positions in the employing departments.) Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
Some knowledge of the operation of telephone, radio, recorder, computer terminals, and other communications
equipment.
Some knowledge of the geography of the City of Miami, and the location of streets and important buildings or
areas requiring special fire or police protection services.
Skill in the use of a typewriter or related keyboard equipment.
Ability to speak English clearly in a well modulated voice, and to use good diction.
Ability to look up information in directories by index or cross-reference.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in stressful situations.
Ability to spell correctly, keep records and prepare reports.
Ability to maintain good concentration, retention of information and recall.
Alertness and pleasing telephone personality; good finger/arm coordination and dexterity; good physical
condition.
Ability to hear and understand instructions and requests from citizens.
Ability to interpret variation of colors on the computer screen.
DESIRABLE BASIC TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
High school graduation and some (6 months–2 years) experience in operating a keyboard device and in
receiving and processing telephone calls.
OR
Equivalent combination of training and experience.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
Emergency communications equipment, personal computers, fax machines and copiers.
5415
5415
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR (Cont.)
WORK ENVIRONMENT: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while
performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.)
Work is performed in a temperature controlled modern office setting, mostly from a seated position at a modular
workstation. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work is performed under
stressful conditions during emergency situations.